Cohoes-Waterford Elks treat dads to free breakfast

Nate Russ and his daughter Chandra Russ-Bonfricken attend the Father’s Day breakfast Sunday at the Cohoes-Waterford Elks Lodge.
Mike McMahon — The Record

COHOES >> Fatherhood isn’t always easy, but there are certainly perks to the job. While raising kids can be hectic, with school, sports and activities to juggle, most dads agree there’s nothing like spending quality time with their kids, and Father’s Day is the holiday for just that.

Dads by the dozen lined up with their families for a free breakfast Sunday morning at the Cohoes-Waterford Elks Lodge at 45 N. Mohawk St. in Cohoes.

The Elks gave local dads the opportunity to start their Father’s Day with good company and good eats at the nearby hub for camaraderie with a cause. The organization has hosted the annual breakfast each year for the past two decades, said leader Renee Bott, exalted ruler of the lodge.

Nearly 200 guests attended this year, as families packed in the lodge for their eggs and bacon.

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“It’s a great opportunity for the community to get together,” said past exalted ruler Dave Foldi, who ran the door Sunday.

Bob Whiting of Cohoes was treated to breakfast Sunday and enjoyed doing what he said is his favorite part of being a dad: spending time with his kids. His children, ages 16 and 23, were glad to be with him as well.

“There’s never really a bad moment with this guy,” son Paul Whiting said. “He’s a fun-loving guy.”

One thing his kids love about their dad is his sense of humor. “He’s got jokes all day,” Paul Whiting said.

The Russ family of Cohoes spent their Father’s Day morning at the lodge for the first time this year. Breakfast-loving Nate Russ, father of three, got his fill Sunday as his daughter explained why she’s most thankful for her dad. “He’s always there for me,” Chandra Russ-VonFricken said.

Lodge Secretary Paul Galarneau of Waterford said what he loves about fathering his two kids is seeing them happy.

“It’s just fun being a dad, watching the kids growing up and enjoying themselves,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing.”

Past Elk leader Paul Piche of Green Island has two active children, ages 11 and 8. After the hours of coaching and driving and watching games and recitals, he’s happiest when relaxing on the couch with an arm around each kid.

“My favorite times of the day is cuddle time,” Piche said. “I’d have to say that the best part is just alone family time, just me and my wife and my two kids lounging around the house and cuddling.”

Harold Felt’s plan for Father’s Day were also to “stay close to home, stay close to the family,” he said Sunday as he ate with his wife and son. Going to the lodge on the springtime holiday has become a family tradition since Felt became a dad.

Being around his 7-year-old son, Jackson, every day is Felt’s greatest joy of fatherhood. Their quality father-son time consists of watching baseball games and rooting for the Boston Red Sox.

This year, Felt received a new wallet for Father’s Day, but it’s not about the presents, he explained.

“I usually don’t look for a whole lot of gifts,” he said, “As long as we’re together, that’s enough for me.”